Tensions between protesters supporting Palestine and university officials at Portland State University (PSU) reached a boiling point as the occupation of the Millar Library entered its third consecutive day. Despite an initial request from university officials to vacate the library steps, the protesters remained steadfast in their cause.

On Monday evening, approximately 200 people, many of whom appeared to be PSU students, gathered outside the library clad in black clothing and face coverings. Signs expressing solidarity with Palestine adorned the library steps, while slogans denouncing the occupation were chanted in unison.

As the evening progressed, the protesters made their way inside the library, announcing their intention to occupy it until their demands were met. Among their demands are the permanent severing of all ties with Boeing, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the cessation of Israeli-made merchandise sales on campus. PSU had already paused all gifts and grants from Boeing last week.

Boeing's involvement in the construction of Israel's missile-defense system and the shipment of bombs following attacks by Hamas on October 7th have fueled the protesters' determination to hold the university accountable for its association with the company.

In response to the occupation, PSU officials released a statement requesting the dismantling of camping structures erected by the protesters on the library steps. This request followed PSU President Ann Cudd's meeting with the protesters over the weekend, where she had allowed them to protest outside one of the library entrances.

The university expressed concerns over property damage and intimidation resulting from the growing encampment and emphasized the health and safety risks it posed to the campus community and university operations. However, the request seemed to have the opposite effect, as the occupation only grew more entrenched throughout the day.

Shortly before 8 pm, Portland State University's social media accounts reported "police activity" at the library, though details about the nature of the activity remain unclear.

The protest at PSU is part of a broader wave of demonstrations occurring across college and university campuses, with notable demonstrations taking place at Columbia University. In Oregon, similar protests have been staged at Lewis and Clark College, Reed College, and the University of Oregon.

As the confrontation between university officials and protesters continues to escalate, the impact on campus operations and the broader implications for the Palestinian solidarity movement remain uncertain.

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